Based on the real queen, but portrayed through a 1960s lens of glamour and seduction. While historically intelligent and politically ambitious, the film emphasizes romance. Costumes are famously anachronistic, reflecting 1960s fashion more than ancient styles.

Based on the real historical figure. Harrison's portrayal captures Caesar's intelligence and political calculation, though perhaps less overtly militaristic than reality. Generally a respected performance within the film's context.

Based on the real historical figure. Burton's portrayal captures Antony's passion and military background but heavily emphasizes the consuming, tragic romance with Cleopatra, potentially simplifying his political motivations.

Based on the future Emperor Augustus. McDowall's portrayal as cold, calculating, intelligent, and politically ruthless is widely considered one of the film's most historically accurate characterizations.

Likely a composite or fictional character representing Cleopatra's connection to Egyptian religion and court life.

Based loosely on historical figures associated with Antony, representing his military command structure.

Accurately depicts Caesar arriving in Egypt while pursuing his rival Pompey the Great during the Roman civil war.

Based on Plutarch's account, though he likely described a more mundane "bedding sack." The film uses the more dramatic (and probably inaccurate) carpet imagery, popularized by earlier depictions.

Their political alliance and personal relationship, resulting in the birth of Caesarion, are historical facts.

The conflict between Caesar/Cleopatra's forces and those supporting Ptolemy XIII in Alexandria is historically accurate.

Cleopatra did reside in Rome as Caesar's guest prior to his assassination.

The assassination is a key historical event occurring while Cleopatra is in Rome, accurately setting the stage for the subsequent power struggles.

Their famous meeting (Cleopatra arriving on a barge at Tarsus), subsequent political alliance, and passionate love affair are historical facts.

Antony's public declaration granting eastern territories to Cleopatra and their children (including declaring Caesarion Caesar's true heir) was a real event that outraged Rome.

The escalating political and military conflict between the two factions, leading to the final war of the Republic, is historically accurate.

The decisive naval battle occurred, and Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian's forces under Agrippa. However, the film's depiction of the battle itself is highly inaccurate tactically and in ship design.

Antony did commit suicide (by sword) after falsely hearing Cleopatra was dead, following their defeat.

Cleopatra did commit suicide to avoid being paraded in Octavian's triumph. The film depicts the traditional (but possibly inaccurate) method of death by asp bite; poisoning is also debated by historians.

Grand sets evoke Roman power and architecture (Forum, villas, Senate) but often prioritize 1960s epic scale and aesthetic over strict archaeological accuracy for the specific period.

Lavish sets depict Ptolemaic Alexandria's palaces and harbor. Blends Greco-Roman and Egyptian motifs in a stylized way, not necessarily an accurate reflection of Hellenistic Egypt.

Costumes are famously inaccurate, especially for Cleopatra. They heavily reflect 1960s high fashion (cuts, fabrics, makeup) rather than historically accurate Egyptian, Greek, or Roman attire.

Impressive in scale and ambition, but architectural details often blend different periods or prioritize visual impact over historical authenticity for 1st century BC Rome and Egypt.

Legionary armor and standards are depicted in a generalized "Hollywood Roman" style, adequate for visual identification but not always precise for the specific timeframe.

The ships depicted in the Battle of Actium scene do not accurately represent the types of warships (like quinqueremes) used during that period.

Successfully conveys the immense wealth, power, political intrigue, and opulent lifestyles associated with rulers like Caesar, Cleopatra, and Antony.

Captures the epic scale, political turmoil, and clash of cultures (Roman ambition vs. Hellenistic Egypt) central to the historical period, albeit in a highly dramatized manner.